AMA warns junior doctors need protection from overwork

The Australian Medical Association says the management of Hunter region hospitals must protect young doctors who are starting work today from fatigue and burn-out.

88 new Junior Medical Officers will today commence their first year of supervised training and will be working at the John Hunter, Royal Newcastle Centre, Calvary Mater, Belmont and Maitland Hospitals.

AMA President Steve Hambleton says junior doctors are at the coalface of the health system and are often overworked.

"We hope that the increase in numbers will actually alleviate some of the long working hours that we do see," he said.

"We don't want doctors working those extended 24 hour shifts, because we know if you work past 18 hours it's like having a blood alcohol content of .05.